Cat Fact Friday

Why Felines Flip for Catnip

If you’ve ever watched as a cat “flipped” over fresh Catnip perhaps you’ve been struck with the question; “what causes Catnip to affect cats that way?” Catnip is indeed an unusual phenomenon among cats, it has the ability to alter your cat’s behavior like nothing else can.

So what exactly is the reason for what scientists have coined as “The Catnip Effect”?

Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats in such a manner remains mostly a mystery. There is however much that we do know about Catnip and cats even if we don’t have the ultimate answer of exactly “why?” yet answered.

The Science Stuff

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and is a perennial herb from the mint family and is in fact also referred to as “Catmint”. It is a plant indigenous to Europe but has been exported and is now found all over including the United States and Canada. There are about 250 species in this plant family which is popular in herb gardens and grows widely as a weed.

The active ingredient in Catnip is an oil; Nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves of the plant. This is the reason you are able to find Catnip in a bottle or spray form in some pet stores.

While you can’t smell it, Catnip has a unique scent to a feline. While Catnip is related to other common plants like basil, spearmint and oregano, those plants don’t have the same effect on cats.Some cats love to roll around in the Catnip and get it all over their fur. The typical cat pauses to sniff this unusual substance and maybe give it a small lick. Then they return to chew on the catnip leaves.

Catnip plants contain volatile oils, acids, sterols and tannins. Cats get high from a chemical in this plant called nepetalactone which binds to receptors inside a cat’s nose, stimulating sensory neurons leading into the brain. Catnip is considered to be non addictive and completely harmless to cats although the reaction can be like one too many martinis. Cats will vary in their response but it can range from wild and crazy to totally oblivious in that classic “who cares” manner that cats do so well.

Catnip affects approximately half of all cats. What determines whether or not a cat will react to Catnip is a genome that is inherited (or not inherited as the case may be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, do not react to Catnip until reaching about 3 or 4 months of age and becoming sexually mature. Older cats are also more likely to have a diminished or non-existing reaction to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that the Catnip effect is based at least partially on sexuality and that the reaction may be something like an aphrodisiac. Further adding to this belief is the similarity of a sexual pheromone found in the urine of the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product in Catnip).

Shortly after ingesting Catnip, a cat may leap, roll, wiggle, purr and seem to freak out. The cat may even become aggressive toward another pet when under the influence of Catnip. Others may simply grin broadly and quietly savor the experience. It may even act as an aphrodisiac for some cats – causing them to become very amorous with other cats. Usually, this Catnip “trip” only lasts for just a matter of minutes. It’s rare for the reaction to last for more than an hour or two. But no matter what reaction your cat has, once the pleasure passes it’ll be about two hours before kitty responds to catnip again.

Cats that can be traced to regions where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated housecat is not the only cat that may be affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip effect, felines such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and even lion are known to react much the same way the common house cat would. It is interesting to note that while Catnip can act as a stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it can conversely act as a relaxant if ingested. Therefore, you may see a different, nearly opposite result depending on whether your cat chooses to eat the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the latter being the more typical behavior).

How to Use Catnip With Your Cat

Catnip can prove to be a very useful tool for a few common problems with your cat. If you are lucky enough to have a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then here are a couple of ideas for you and your furry little friend.

Catnip and Lazy Cats

Catnip can be used to get a lazy cat off his or her butt. Some cats are notoriously lazy, choosing to sleep much of their day away in a nice golden patch of sunlight on the living room carpet, only waking up to eat and gather some necessary attention from their indulgent owners. If this sounds like your cat, you may soon see (if you haven’t already) that your cat is becoming more and more round. This is generally not a good thing. Catnip may be able to help. Presenting Catnip to your cat encourages activity (of course provided the cat sniffs rather than eats the herb).

Many adult cats will respond to Catnip in a manner that resembles their childlike kitten hyperactivity, jumping, playing and running around as if it was given an injection of kitty adrenaline, which in essence, is the case. The effect of Catnip on a cat can last somewhere between two and fifteen minutes. If the latter is the case, then this is a decent amount of exercise and will help keep your cat a little more svelte than without a Catnip treatment. Furthermore, if you leave the Catnip out for a few hours then your cat may return to the herb later (an hour or two after the effect has worn off) and again react in an energetic fashion. So in this sense you may consider Catnip sort of like a kitty energy drink.

Catnip and Cats That Scratch Furniture

If you have a cat that seems bent on the destruction of your furniture then Catnip may again be able to come to the rescue. Cats can be frustratingly picky about just about anything under the sun including where they want to sharpen their furniture destroying claws. It is not uncommon for a cat to damage or destroy a piece of furniture just because the owners finally gave up on trying to redirect their cat to the unused cat scratching post that set them back anywhere up to a hundred dollars and more. A good way to attempt to change this frustrating and expensive behavior is to rub some Catnip or Catnip oil on a scratching post that you are attempting to get the cat to use. Introduce your cat to the newly “Catnipped” scratching post and see how he/she reacts. If all goes well, your cat will sniff and inspect the post and then begin clawing at it. After a few times (you may have to re-Catnip the post) hopefully kitty will be trained to use the post rather than the sofa.

Using Catnip with Multiple Cats

If you’ve never used Catnip before and you have more than one cat it is advisable to try it out individually on each cat before introducing it to all of your cats at the same time. The reason is because Catnip affects some cats in a negative manner causing the cat in question to become aggressive rather than merely playful. Introducing it to your cats individually enables you to control the situation and keep a cat that may react aggressively isolated from your other cats. This of course means avoiding a possible catfight that could result in broken furniture, hurt kitties (possibly requiring a vet visit), annoyed neighbors (and probably owners), or a combination of all of the above.

Growing and Keeping Catnip

Growing your own Catnip can be rewarding as it can save you money, give you the satisfaction of doing something yourself and ensuring that you always get fresh, high-quality Catnip for your cat. A word of caution however; the exact kitty reaction you want to grow your own Catnip is something to be wary of. If you plan on growing your Catnip out of doors and other cats can access your Catnip garden then be prepared for unwelcome feline visitors. This may not be a problem for you personally, but cats are by nature territorial and if you have a cat that lives alone without the company of other cats this could prove to be an area of stress for your cat. Even if you keep your cat inside at all times, your cat may get agitated if he/she looks out the window to see another cat frolicking in territory your cat considers his or her own.

If you choose to grow your Catnip indoors, be careful to keep it out of reach of kitty. Otherwise you’ll likely have Fluffy jumping up on furniture even to the most out of the way place to get access to the tempting herb. Cats are great jumpers and not really known for respecting precious household knick-knacks. So if you do decide to grow it indoors for a cat that reacts to Catnip, be careful to grow it in a place that your cat won’t be able to access it. A room that you always keep closed to the cat is probably the best solution for indoor grown Catnip.

If you do find that your cat reacts positively to Catnip you should be sure to use it sparingly so as not to dull the effect which can be the result of overexposure. A good rule of thumb is to not treat your kitty more than once a week on average to Catnip.

Given all the positive effects that Catnip may have on your cat you owe it to yourself (and naturally your fluffy little ball of affection) to see how he/she reacts to this strange and well known herb. It will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat and most likely an entertaining show for yourself as well. It’s a win win situation.

Our Favorite Product Pick

We use a brand of Catnip with our own clowder that’s 100% organic … it’s called Meowijuana and comes from a company in California called Meowijuanaville. Our kitties love it!

This is our ginger ninja shown here hoarding his latest stash of Meowijuana. Don’t worry, we ensure that he nips responsibly! >^..^<

The Meowijuanaville website is as clever as their product packaging … see for yourself (home page screen snap):

Do check them out as they have a truly excellent product and our kitties give it a two paws up!

Why Do Cats Love Cardboard Boxes?

Every cat owner knows that most toys simply can’t compare to the allure of a cardboard box. This magic 4-walled enclosure seems to have the power to attract cats like bees to honey.

So what’s behind the magic? Why are our feline friends so drawn to boxes and other enclosed objects, such as bags, laundry baskets, dresser drawers, suitcases or even backpacks?

According to science adviser for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals {Stephen Zawistowski}, “Cats like boxes because they are cryptic animals which means they like to hide. A box gives them a place of safety and security.” Seeking out confined spaces is an instinctual behavior for cats. While inside a box, a cat feels a sense of security because they cannot be snuck up on from behind or the side. A hiding space allows them to watch the world around them without being seen.

Boxes also provide cats with a cozy, safe place to sleep, which is very important given that the felines sleep for up to 16 or more hours a day. This all seems to make sense but now there is official and scientific proof behind why cats love boxes. Researchers from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, have discovered why, and published their findings in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science.

Guess what they found?

It turns out that cats take a liking for enclosed cardboard spaces because it helps in lowering their stress. And you thought cats didn’t experience stress. In their study, the researchers set out to determine if boxes could help in reducing stress with shelter cats. It’s well known that stressful experiences in shelters can have a major impact on cats’ health and well being.

The stress cats experience from being in a shelter can cause higher incidences of infectious diseases due to raised levels of cortisol which then causes a cat’s immune system to be compromised.

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In this particular study, 19 new shelter cats were randomly assigned to either get a box or not. Ten of them were given boxes while nine were not. The cats with boxes exhibited faster recovery and adapted to their new environment much more quickly than the cats without boxes. The findings conclude that, “The hiding box appears to be an important enrichment for the cat to cope effectively with stressors in a new shelter environment in the first weeks after arrival.”

So there you have it. Cardboard boxes offer not only a secure resting place but more importantly, help reduce stress in cats. So remember, the next time you see Fluffy McMittens snoozing in a box, you’ll now understand why!

Cat Dental Health – Tooth or Consequences

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Did you also know…

• The number one health issue facing cats today is oral care

• Oral care concerns impact almost 70% of cats

• 80% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of 3

Many of these cats will never receive any home dental care, and the condition of their teeth will worsen every year for the rest of their lives.

A cat parent can detect a problem with their pet’s chompers by checking their cat’s breath, looking for red or swollen gums, yellow deposits or pus on their teeth, and watching to see if their cat drools or paws at their face. If infected, the bacteria can ultimately invade the blood stream and lead to damaging consequences to your cat’s kidneys, heart, liver and other organs.

A proper and thorough home dental care routine will go a long way to preserving your cat’s teeth and maintaining his overall health. Following are a few notable feline dental facts:

Cats are meticulous self-groomers, cleaning every patch from whisker to tail, but their dental health requires a human hand. Here’s what you can do for them:

At Home Care in between Vet Visits

1. Brush Their Teeth

Brushing is best and we cat parents should regularly brush our fur babies’ teeth, but let’s be realistic. If they didn’t get started at a young age, a lot of cats simply won’t allow it. Don’t get carried away and come at your adult cat with toothbrush and toothpaste in a single day. Work up to it. Start by touching your cat around the mouth while you cuddle him. Gently pull up his lip to look at his teeth and touch a tooth. Go gently from there.

Try to work up to brushing once, twice or, ideally, three times a week. If a toothbrush scares your cat, you can get nearly the same result by wiping his teeth with a gauze pad or dental wipe from your local pet store.

2. Choose a High Quality Dental Friendly Food

Your vet may also recommend a dental formula food. These have larger-than-average “nuggets” designed to reduce plaque and tartar through chewing. We suggest Royal Canin’s Feline Dental Dry food which is a complete and balanced cat food that provides precise nutrition for adult cats. This diet helps control plaque and tartar with kibbles designed to promote chewing. The texture and shape of the kibble produce a gentle abrasive effect on the teeth during chewing. This mechanical action provides a brushing effect to reduce the accumulation of dental plaque and calculus. Kitty will be proud to show off her pearly whites!

“Cat owners should make it a priority to see their veterinarian annually to ensure a cat’s optimal health,” says Dr. Catherine Lenox, a veterinary nutritionist and Royal Canin Scientific Affairs Manager. “A large contributor to a cat’s health is its nutrition, and Royal Canin offers several diets that provide precise nutrition for various needs. For instance, Royal Canin offers a feline diet specific to cat oral health that can help control plaque and tartar with kibbles designed to promote chewing.”

3. Consider a Dental Rinse

One of the most recent innovations in home dental care is an oral rinse that kills bacteria in your cat’s mouth. Ask your cat’s veterinarian if this might be helpful for your cat — especially if your feline friend turns feisty and refuses to cooperate for brushing. Instead of brushing you apply a simple squirt of dental rinse instead. Oral rinses that contain chlorhexadine gluconate are effective antiseptics that bind to gum tissues and tooth surfaces. They also kill bacteria, reduce plaque and slow the accumulation of tartar. Rinses may be used alone or as a supplement with brushing. Here are three reputable oral rinse products: Premium Pet Dental Spray, Nutri-Vet Breath Fresh Dental Rinse for Cats and Dentahex Oral Rinse Solution.

Use only dental rinses and toothpastes that are formulated for cats. Remember that your cat will be swallowing these products, so you want to ensure that they don’t contain foaming detergents and harsh abrasives that human variations include. Those displaying the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal have met standards that are proven to slow the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

4. Let them Play with Dental Balls

Another option is toying around — no kitty can resist playtime so take advantage of it with the toys that yield some medical magic in their mouths. Consider a dental health cat chew toy. These cat chew toys are typically filled with catnip and fibrous catnip stalks to satisfy your cat’s natural desire to crunch and chew. Our cats love the PLAYAY IQ Treat Ball (photo below).

They help clean teeth and massage gums to improve your cats dental health.

On a side note: Did you hear about the feline dentist of the year? All she received for her work was a little plaque!

February is more than just a call to dental health awareness, it’s also National Cat Health Month and a purrfect reminder to schedule your annual vet visit. Our paw pals at the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) put together the infographic below outlining 5 compelling reasons why you should include routine vet visits for your cat and some feline health tips.

10 Tips for Feline Wellness

1. Make Yearly Vet Visits a Routine — Almost twice as many cats than dogs never visit the veterinarian. Preventive care examinations or check-ups for all cats should occur a minimum of once yearly, and more frequently for senior cats and those with chronic conditions. During the physical examination, veterinarians assess your cats current health, and also can often detect conditions that may affect your cat’s health long before they become significant so they can be managed or cured before they become painful or more costly. Cats need routine veterinary check-ups to promote longer, happier, and healthier lives.

2. Don’t Rely on Google — Any time there is a change with your cat, don’t assume the problem is behavioral – there may be a medical explanation. Don’t rely on Google for answers – contact your veterinarian.

3. Check Weight Periodically — Almost 60% of indoor cats are overweight or obese, which can impact your cat’s quality of life. The addition of just a few pounds can be difficult for owners to detect, yet can have significant health effects and risks. That’s just one reason why a yearly wellness exam with your veterinarian is so important.

4. Create a Comfy Environment — Addressing your cat’s physical, emotional, and environmental needs enhances their health and quality of life. Cats need specific resources to perform their natural behaviors and have control over their social interactions. As owners, we can enhance our cats’ health and wellbeing by ensuring all their needs are met in the home environment. Read more about the 5 pillars of a healthy feline environment.

5. Get the Scoop — Check the litter box. If there has been any behavioral or physical changes to your cat’s elimination, be sure to see your veterinarian. If your cat is vocalizing, missing the box, jumping in/out fast, or not digging at the litter, these may all be signs of a medical issue or aversion to the litter. Be sure to set your cat up for litter box success.

6. “Brush Up” on Your Cat’s Oral Care — (see above) Did you know that periodontal disease is considered the most prevalent disease in cats three years of age and older? If your cat has painful teeth or gums, tartar, gingivitis, or if you’ve noticed a foul odor coming from your cat’s mouth, their teeth should be professionally cleaned before you begin a home-care routine. Discuss tooth brushing or a home-care routine with your veterinarian.

7. Give Your Cat the Best & Visit a CFP — Commit to giving your cat the very best in feline health care and visit a Cat Friendly Practice (CFP). CFPs have made a commitment to decrease stress associated with the visit and provide a more calming environment. They have taken extra steps to assure they understand a cat’s unique needs and utilize feline-friendly handling in order to increase the quality of care for your cat.

8. It’s Okay to be Picky, But Not TOO Picky — Some cats are particular, but many times there may be a medical explanation for any new erratic eating behaviors (unless the cat has always been this way). The issue could be a gastrointestinal problem, diabetes, or any number of other problems – don’t wait, contact your veterinarian. If your cat has gone without food for 24 hours or more, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

9. Watch For Changes in Sleeping Habits — Vocalizing and/or sleeping when your cat typically wouldn’t (changes such as pacing and “talking” overnight, or sleeping more during the day) combined with general confusion and/or personality changes (previously outgoing cat becomes a “wallflower”) can be signs of a medical issue such as feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (“Kitty Alzheimer’s”) in an older cat. Contact your veterinarian right away.

10. Take the Stress out of Vet Visits — 58% of cat owners say their cat hates going to the vet. Make trips to the vet less stressful on you and your kitty by visiting a Cat Friendly Practice. CFP designated practices have taken major steps to create a more calming environment for cats. Stress associated with vet visits starts at home. Don’t forget to acclimate your cat to its carrier by making it a familiar place.

Summary

While February is National Pet Dental Health Month, dental health should be a daily ritual for cat owners all year long. Drop us a comment in the “Leave a Reply” box below or better yet email us a photo of your cats’ pearly whites!

This post is partially sponsored by Royal Canin. The Purrington Post only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Royal Caninis not responsible for the content of this article.

8 Life Lessons Cats Can Teach Us

Cats are profoundly wise animals. They seem to innately know the secrets to happiness. They play hard, eat well, get plenty of sleep, meditate like zen masters and know how to handle stress better than most humans. Cats live life on their terms.

Author Walter Lionel George once said: “Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without confinement, and love without penalties.”

Our feline friends are living examples of how to be happy and appreciate all that life has to offer. Pay attention to your cat, and observe how she almost always looks satisfied and content (except of course if dinner is late). We so admire cats and in appreciation of their wisdom, we offer 8 life lessons that we can learn from our cats to improve our own lives.

Oh, and be sure to check out the cat life lessons video on p.5 put together by the feline luvin’ folks at BuzzFeed.

Here are 8 life lessons that felines follow and we’d be smart to adopt:

Lesson #1. Be present and Live in the Moment

The present moment is all you have. Cats aren’t rushing around to meet deadlines. They don’t check their feline watches multiple times every hour. They aren’t panic stricken about getting somewhere late. They just are.

It’s true that they don’t have to pay bills or take care of household chores, or rush kids to school events, but the lesson is to just stop, reflect and be in the moment every now and then. A cat would tell you to at least pause in the middle of your hectic daily routine and stop to smell the roses. Take stock of the current moment. Slow your step and your pace. Right now is the only moment you have.

Your cat would say “make the most of it”.

Lesson #2. Stay Curious and Learn Something New Every Day

They say that curiosity killed the cat. Perhaps that’s why cats need 9 lives to do all the exploring and learning that they desire. A cat would tell you to make it a ritual to learn something new every day. See the wonder in the world around you. Admire the simple things. And above all, remain curious, seek to always learn and try to look at things with a fresh eye.

Lesson #3. Take Time to Stretch

Watch a cat. You’ll notice that they stretch all the time. When was the last time you took a second to give yourself a good stretch? This simple activity can help with thought clarity and muscle stiffness by bringing blood to the brain and muscles, and in doing so give you an energy boost in the process.

Stretching is very important for health, relaxation and overall well-being. It’s been shown to provide relief from pain, increase energy levels, improve posture, increase flexibility and promote a greater sense of well-being. Take a moment and stretch…

There now, don’t you feel better already?

Lesson #4. Be Playful

We needn’t remind kids of how to do this. It’s natural when we’re young but as we get busier and life’s demands are thrust upon us, who has time to play? A cat would tell you that you can’t afford not to play!

Play is fun. Play makes you laugh. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which in turn promote an overall sense of well-being. Laughter also decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. More play means less stress.

A cat would tell you to never underestimate the power of playtime!

Lesson #5. Take Time for a Cat Nap

We can all probably agree that cats pretty much invented napping. Our feline napping experts not only value the importance of sleep, but also look adorable doing it! Studies have shown that indulging in a little midday shut-eye can work wonders for your alertness, memory, creativity, productivity and overall mood. Seize the opportunity to curl up next to your furry friend sometime and see for yourself how refreshed you’ll feel after a 15-20-minute rest.

Cats can sleep for hours. They can find all kinds of small areas to curl into a little ball and sleep while the world moves on outside their window. Watch the rhythmic breathing as they snooze. It’s probably not practical, or even desirable, to sleep as many hours as the cat, but think about going through your day in a resting, peaceful state. Even though you are awake and doing what you need to do, you can be peaceful and internally contented at the same time.

A cat would teach you to calm your inner being, and seek that internal restful state allowing the world outside to remain chaotic while you bask in a few moments of stillness. Ahhhhhh….

Lesson #6. Persevere

No matter how many times they fall, cats always find the will to get up and try again. They have a resilient spirit, and probably know better than we do that just because you make a few mistakes doesn’t mean you’re incapable of achieving the success you envision for yourself in the long run. A cat would tell you to persevere and you’ll eventually find a way. Just imagine how many times Thomas Edison persevered during his invention of the light bulb. We wonder if he had a cat coaching him.

Lesson #7. Be Yourself

Cats don’t really care what you think of them. They have personality but no ego. Cats expect you to love them as they are, both when they’re at their best and when they’re at their worst.

Ernest Hemingway was quoted saying: “A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”

Lesson #8. Don’t Worry, be Happy!

Lest we not forget…don’t take life too seriously. Seize the moment. Carpe Diem. Smile. Be happy.

What better teachers could we ask for?

Author Jules Verne once noted: “I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.”

For cats to enjoy music, they claimed, the song must have a familiar tempo and be in the frequency range that cats use to communicate among each other. Thus, the appropriate music for cats would include the mid-to-high-pitched sounds heard in their meows and low-frequency base vibratos heard in their purrs.

As an analogy, the difference between human and cat music might be similar to how Eastern and Western music differ, but on a more extreme scale. The paper even went so far as to create a framework for music-creation per species, and composed a sample song that felines could enjoy.

Here’s a sample song published in the paper called “Cozmo’s Air.” Play it for your cat, and see how he/she reacts.

In order for cats to enjoy music, it must have certain features that they can comprehend. So given all the different music genres, which has similar tones and frequencies that cats most closely relate to?

The closest study to look into this question is one performed by scientists at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. Here, researchers found that cats can feel relaxed or stressed, depending on the genre of music.

This experiment was conducted with 12 cats undergoing surgery. After anesthetization, researchers placed headphones over the cats ears and played a variety of genres including classical, pop, and rock & roll, in two-minute intervals.

Data was collected using a heartbeat monitor on the cat’s tongue, allowing researchers to measure respiratory rate. The other metric taken was pupil diameter. The results were slightly expected. Classical music (Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings), lowered the cats’ heartbeats, and decreased their pupil diameters; this indicated that this genre had a soothing effect.

On the other hand, Rock & Roll (AC/DC’s Thunderstruck) increased heartbeat rates and pupil diameters. Natlie Imbruglia’s Torn proved less effective, having little to no difference when compared to the control of the cats listening to no music.

As a post-study analysis, researchers also found that the cats that listened to classical music throughout the surgery had a quicker recovery time after a visit to the vet.

It sounds like cats, much like humans, become relaxed when listening to classical music, which is probably why there are so many rumors claiming that cats enjoy the classical genre. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate enjoyment levels, which are much more difficult to measure. Perhaps your feline’s inner likings are towards country pop or rock & roll. The cat below is clearly a Ramones groupie! >^..^<

If you had to guess which songs represents your cat, what would it be? Additionally, do you notice any changes within your cat when turning on different genres of music?

Credit: This article was contributed by Sir Alfredy Wilshire, MD/PhD who is a red tabby from Filey, a small town near the Eastern coast of the UK. He did his schooling at Cambridge University, focusing his research on effects Nepeta cataria and its affects on the COX-2 and IL-1β proteins in the Wnt pathway. He and his hooman now reside in sunny San Diego, semi-retired, splitting his time between blogging at https://cat.snipcademy.com, and listening to Debussy while napping.

If you’re curious to try out the Music for Cats CD by David Teie, you can buy it here or click on the image below.

Drop us a comment in the “Leave a Reply” section below to tell us what type of music your cat prefers.

5 Reasons Why Cats Make Us Better People

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. Well here’s some good news for cat owners… studies have shown that cat people are among the healthiest, happiest, and smartest people in the world. Scientific research has repeatedly shown that there are significant health and happiness benefits of having a feline family member in your home. So what are they?

Here are 5 reasons why cats make us better people:

Reason #1: Cats are good for our (mental) health

Numerous studies have been published showing that cat owners have higher IQs than their dog owning counterparts. Some of these studies suggest that this is in part due to time constraints (smarter people tend to work longer hours, and cats tend to require less maintenance than dogs), but it is also suggested that the relaxed demeanor of a cat has a calming effect on the family members which promotes mental health and increased brain activity.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Cat people are among the healthiest, happiest, and smartest people in the world.” quote=”Cat people are among the healthiest, happiest, and smartest people in the world.”]

And of course, petting our cats brightens our mood. Just a few minutes of petting (or even brushing) your cat signals our brain to start producing the hormones oxytocin and serotonin – these are 2 calming chemicals that when released in our bodies make us feel more relaxed and at peace.

It’s soothing for our cats to be stroked and touched by us, but we also get a huge physiological payback as well. Go pet your cat!

Reason #2: Cats are good for our (physical) health

Want to lower your blood pressure? Spend some time with a purring cat. The relaxation and calming effect of petting or brushing your cat (see above), as well as the purring that your cat does when happy has been shown to lower blood pressure in humans.

The American Heart Association confirms it: Pet ownership is linked to a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a lower likelihood of obesity. Another study found that cat owners were 40 percent less likely than their feline-free counterparts to have a heart attack or stroke, says Dr. Becker. Beyond the exercise factor, experts aren’t entirely sure why pets improve our health, but they certainly do. “Think of your cat as free medicine you already have in your home that can help you maintain optimum health,” adds Dr. Becker.

Reason #3: Cats teach us patience

Being a cat owner is not always an easy venture without stress. Cats can be very stubborn and willful creatures, and much like parenting, you will often have to ‘pick your battles’. It also requires us to practice patience when trying to problem solve behavioral issues such as urinating, scratching, or howling.

Cats are the ultimate zen masters. We often chase the ‘quick fixes’ and fast solutions to problems in our busy lives. Watch a cat sometime. It can sit for hours focusing on something. Take time to breathe, pet your little zen-master and allow its calming influence to soothe and guide you. You might be very pleasantly surprised!

Reason #4: Cats teach us empathy

Cats get a bad rep for being selfish and self centered. Cats are actually very empathetic and loyal creatures and can sense when someone needs comfort. Think of a time you’ve been ill, or sad, or maybe just plain exhausted. Quite often you’ll find that your cat will climb up and lay on you. It senses your distress and seeks to comfort.

Some research suggests that kids who have cats (and dogs) often become more nurturing, giving adults — perhaps because they learn from a young age that all living creatures need comfort and feel pain. But even people who bring home their first pet as an adult tend to develop a stronger sense of empathy, thanks to their furry friend.

“Taking care of an animal reminds you that all humans and animals have needs that may eclipse your own, and you’re able to see things from others’ point of view. That helps you become more caring and compassionate,” says Dr. David Niven, a psychologist and social scientist.

5. Cats increase our social connections

Ever notice that when you talk about your cat that strangers are more apt to smile, say hello, even strike up a conversation? Or perhaps if you were to share a funny cat video, people would chime in and share stories about their own cat’s silly antics. Those brief exchanges leave us feeling more in sync with our community, says Dr. Niven, and such interactions makes us happier because we feel better when connected to others.

Cats are great conversation starters and icebreakers, so it’s no surprise that pet parent dating websites, pet/human fitness classes and other social gatherings for pet owners are becoming more popular. “People who have pets are perceived by others to be more social and open,” says Niven. “That can make your social circle wider and more diverse, resulting in less loneliness.”

5 Health & Nutrition Tips for Senior Cats

All cats are created equal, right? Wrong. Senior cats have special dietary needs, different from adult cats and kittens. Their bodies require different things. Thanks to advances in veterinary care and improved nutrition, cats are living longer than ever, giving those of us who love them many more years of their affection and warm companionship.

This longevity, however, means that senior cats, just like their aging human companions, become more vulnerable to a variety of health issues and ailments: weight gain and decreased mobility; heart, kidney, and liver diseases; diabetes; dental problems and periodontal disease; behavioral problems and cancer.

Unlike humans, cats can begin to approach their senior years as early as 7 years old. Factors that have an impact on how individual cats age include body weight, nutrition, environment, and overall health. First off, how do you know when your cat reaches “senior status”? You might see a sprinkling of gray on her chin; a small cloud forming over once-clear eyes. Perhaps there’s a touch of stiffness in what was once a frisky gait. Any of these can be tell-tale signs that your fuzzy feline friend is entering her “golden” years.

The old saying that one year in a cat’s life is equal to seven “human” years isn’t entirely accurate. Pets mature quickly during the first two years of life, level out for their middle years, and then begin to age more rapidly once more during the final third of their life span.

Aging can cause natural changes in your cat’s body functioning, which as a pet parent, may require you to adjust their diet, care, and nutrition accordingly. Many pet parents may experience denial not want to acknowledge that their cat is aging, but supporting your cat’s health as they enter their golden years can actually help prevent, manage several common health conditions to keep your feline friend healthy for many years to come.

The cat litter mat is placed underneath your feline’s litter box. Although many people use a cut square of a regular mat, these end up looking unsightly and ratty when they start fraying. Furthermore, these can snag on the claws of your cat. There are many benefits making it worthwhile investing in this useful item. Check out this summary of Best Cat Litter Mats by Cindy Grant, founder of NolongerWild.com.

But by the time they reach 11 years of age, weight loss becomes an even bigger concern. The 11-plus years are especially difficult for cats because their sense of smell and taste tend to diminish at this time, which in turn has an adverse affect on their interest in food. The power to absorb key nutritional elements and digest fat begins to declines, making eating itself less efficient.

We asked our go-to expert Gillian Ridgeway {Nutram OTC Pet Wellness Expert} for her advice on key things to look for in senior cats. Here are her 5 recommendations and some tips to help cat owners improve the quality of life for their beloved senior cats:

Bladder Issues

Urinary incontinence, which is the loss of bladder control, and kidney disease are not uncommon in cats as they mature through life. You may notice your cat losing weight and drinking more water than normal or making frequent trips to the litter box, which are all signs of a possible bladder condition. To help prevent bladder issues, select a diet that includes specific ingredients for your cat. Incorporating a diet with ingredients such as cranberries, a natural acidifier, and celery seeds, will help sustain healthy fluid levels, and work to maintain proper pH and moderate ash levels, supporting a healthy bladder.

*TIP: Cats have different dietary requirements than dogs, so if you share your home with both, keep Fido’s dish out of reach.

Decreased Mobility

Decreased mobility is a common concern with senior cats, and is especially important if their water intake has increased. It is important to help your cat have easy access to their litter box. If you start to see mobility issues arise, make sure the litter box is very accessible.

*TIP: Use a ramp or lower the litter box to allow easy access to your cat. If you have stairs in the home, consider putting a litter box on each floor.

Weight Fluctuation

Obesity is often on the rise in the senior cats. This can be due to decreased mobility, decreased metabolism, or lack of appropriate exercise. Proper diet is imperative for weight control. Often a diet higher in fibre will help keep your pet feeling full, while helping to push food through the intestinal system and prolong satiety, crucial for weight management.

* TIP: Look for ingredients like chicory root, which promotes the growth of natural intestinal bacteria. Ingredients such as pumpkin are rich in fibre, which also assists with the movement of food through the digestive system.

To prevent obesity, you should also entertain and mentally stimulate your furbaby regularly with interactive cat toys or a nice stroll on an appropriate cat harness

4. Furballs

Grooming is an important part of each cat’s day. However, you may notice that their ability to groom themselves wanes as the years move forward. Less frequent grooming can result in increased shedding, causing problems such as hairballs, which can be quite serious if left unattended. Make sure your cat food is formulated to help with the hairball situation if your pet is susceptible to them. Look for ingredients rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to support your cat’s coat as well as natural fibers to help with gut motility and facilitate hairball elimination.

Stress

Believe it or not, stress can begin to affect your beloved cat and manifest in various ways. The cat that normally loves new people may start to seek out quiet spots. Cats love routine so it’s best to keep their living situation and routine the as consistent as possible. As cats age, they may begin to experience changes in their eyesight or hearing which makes them less able to cope with new situations.

*TIP: If you require a house sitter or plan a holiday, it might be best to ask a friend to house sit daily rather than bringing your cat to a boarding facility, removing them from their home turf.

In addition to looking out for these five signs in your senior cat, you should also do a mini physical exam each week while grooming your cat. While grooming, check for lumps and bumps, and make sure your cat has good dental hygiene. Regular health checks and Veterinary appointments are necessary every 6 months to help ensure that your feline friend is on track.

Prevention is key to success with your senior cat. While they may have been on a specific diet for the first part of life, it may be time to re-evaluate and make a switch to a recipe appropriate for their health conditions and life stage. A proper diet that’s formulated with their health in mind and geared towards specific issues will certainly help keep your pet happy and healthy over their lifetime.

11 Cat Sounds – And What They Mean!

Our cats make sounds ranging from purrs to meows to hisses and growls — but what do they mean?

To find out we asked our paw pal (Annie) who is the founder of MeowKai to enlighten us with her expertise on the various cat sounds and their meanings. So without further adieu here’s what Annie had to say…

When owning a cat, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard him meow a lot! But did you now that his or her different yowls and meows have different meanings behind them? It isn’t just about meowing for attention, but can also mean an underlying condition that your cat can’t express through words, but through the sounds she makes.

Or, perhaps kitty just wants to show his happiness with you. Either way, it’s important to learn about the different cat sounds your cat makes for you to properly address his problems and act upon it. Wondering what these meows and yowls mean?

Here are the 11 most recognized cat sounds – and what they mean!

1. Short Meows

A short meow is the basic and most popular cat meows for cats who just want to say hi! This is normal and nothing to worry about, as your cat is simply happy to see you. Give him a pet, because it means he wants a bit of attention.

2. Multiple Meows

If your cat meows multiple times or a few meows every minute, it says he’s VERY excited and happy. It’s more comfortable version of the short meow, meaning that your cat is saying that it’s great to see you. Just like the short meow, give him a pet!

3. Mid-Pitch Meows

For cats who have mid-pitch meows, it usually means he’s asking for something. It might be playtime or attention, or he may want to go out to do his business. Other times, it means that he wants food. If it’s time for dinner and he starts meowing this way, you know he’s hungry!

4. Long Meows

Just like mid-pitch meows, your cat wants something. But it isn’t just a plea; it’s a demand! Your cat may be VERY hungry, or he simply demands attention from you after a long day alone. Or, he wants you to open the door, so he can go out or back in.

5. Low-Pitch Meows

A low-pitch meow means your cat is complaining and he’s unhappy about it. It’s time to show your attention or fill up his empty bowl, or he will be in a bad mood for a long time. He might also be mad at something you did, like forgetting him outside!

[clickToTweet tweet=”The 11 Cat Sounds – And What They Mean!” quote=”The 11 Cat Sounds – And What They Mean!”]

6. High-Pitched Meows

High-pitched meows is an expression of pain. It might not be something wrong with his digestion or body, but it may be physical pain, such as accidentally kicking him or stepping his tail. This yowl helps you know if he’s hurt from a fight as well.

7. Growls or Howls

If your cat growls, that means he’s feeling VERY negative. They are usually growling when fighting with other cats, trying to protect their territory. A growling cat is an angry cat, so I urge you to stay away to avoid any scratches or bites. If your cat begins to howl, it means she feels danger or needs immediate help because of an injury or sickness. Go to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

8. Hissing

Just like growling, a hissing cat can also mean someone that’s very upset or irritated. It can also show fear, since cats would usually hiss when he’s surrounded by unfamiliar people or in a new environment. It’s best to let him be first.

9. Chirping

Chirruping means that your cat wants something but he can’t get it. But this isn’t about food. He might see prey out of the window but he can’t move to it. It’s a short and stuttered meow that’s a mix of both excitement and frustration.

10. Caterwaul

Caterwauls are low moaning sounds female cats would make when in heat. It alerts other cats that she’s in heat and ready for mating. Your cat may also have an uncomfortable-looking stare to go along with these cat sounds.

11. Purring

Purring is a sweet sounds that means that your cat feels content with your. It means that he’s happy or sleepy, comfortable as he sleeps on your lap or cuddles with you. Mother cats would also purr to her kittens to comfort them. Read more on the healing powers of purring.

Tips on Helping Your Cat Control His Meowing

If your cat meows a lot, then there are various reasons as to why it happens! So if you want to control his meowing and make sure that he stays healthy and disturbs no one in the household, here are some things to follow:

Make sure that your cat has access to all his toys and a comfortable environment, allowing him to have fun and enjoy while you’re out of the house or running errands. He might just want to play or sleep in a quiet area.

Give your cat access to treats or food a few times a day. He may be hungry! Studies show that it’s best to feed your cat multiple times a day instead of one large meal to avoid indigestion or hunger.

Play with your cat a bit! Your cat needs attention, just like many humans. Give him a few minutes of cuddle time or petting, making him feel loved.

If your cat looks uncomfortable and in pain, he might be suffering from more symptoms other than just meowing a lot. Take him to the veterinarian to evaluate if he’s sick or requires medical attention.

If your cat incessantly meows or makes different sounds, then it’s time to learn how to evaluate what they mean! Each of your cat’s meows, hisses, purrs, or yowls mean something, and while some can be brushed off by a gentle pet, some can be serious and will need to be checked by a veterinarian.

Should Your Cats Sleep With You?

Have you ever wondered how other cat owners would answer the question … “Do you let your cats sleep with you at night?”

Well we decided to find out, so we ran a quick 24 hour survey on our Twitter feed and here’s what came back:

There were nearly 300 responses and 88% of them said ‘Yes’. We’ll have to take that as an overwhelming majority! >^..^<

Interestingly it seems that most people ask the question whether it’s healthy/advisable for people to let their cats sleep with them (more on that below), but few (if any) seem to ask whether it’s beneficial for the cats themselves. So we asked our pal and cat expert Dr. Lynn Bahr what she thought, and here’s what Lynn had to say:

“From a cat’s point of view, it’s completely natural to sleep with loved ones. During the first few weeks of their lives, kittens stay tightly knitted together for warmth, security and safety. For many, it is a habit they retain into adulthood choosing to curl up next to their owners for the same companionship and comfort they had when they were young.

Not only is sleeping with a cat good for humans, it is particularly good for the health and well-being of the cat too.”

Sleeping together seems to be of benefit to both felines and us mere mortals…how’s that for good news!

Those of us in the majority already know that sleeping with our cats can certainly be calming, help release stress, and promote bonding with your cat. Unfortunately, sharing your bed with a cat isn’t always conducive to getting a good night’s sleep. This is because cats tend to be nocturnal, which can lead to some pretty irritating behaviors. Which cat owner haven’t been woken up by a cat pummeling their chest or nibbling on their toes?

Fear not – we have some invaluable tips to help you and kitty get enjoy a peaceful zzzzzzzzzz together!

Napping with Cats Guide

The infographic guide (below) is for the majority of us who sleep with our feline friends and it offers tips to help you get kitty sleeping peacefully in your bedroom. The guide offers tips on how to prepare your cat for bedtime and then outlines some negative behaviors and how to correct them.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Do Your Cats Sleep With You? If so, here’s a Guide to Getting a More Peaceful Night’s Sleep” quote=”Do Your Cats Sleep With You? If so, here’s a Guide to Getting a More Peaceful Night’s Sleep”]

Hopefully, this will enable you to have a good night’s sleep and have your cat share your bed. Although, if we’re honest, we all know the cat will get its own way in the end. They always do.

Go ahead and let your cat(s) sleep in bed with you. Find the balance that works best in your household and enjoy the experience. In our home, only our ginger tabby sleeps in our bed…and usually asks to be let out at around 3-4 am to join the others. What’s your cat sleeping story? Tell us by dropping a comment in the “Leave a Reply” box below.

Comparing Vision: Cats vs. Humans

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like to your cat? First off, you’ve no doubt read about the fact that cats have better night vision than humans (no big surprise). Cats are most active at dawn and dusk (the technical term is ‘crepuscular’) which is why we suspect they require better night vision than us.

The reason is that cats have between 6 to 8 times more rod cells in their eyes than we do. These rods are the cells most sensitive to low light giving cats the night vision advantage over us.

It turns out that cats are also much better than humans when it comes to following fast-moving objects. In particular, their excellent night vision also allows them to better capture motion in the dark.

Cats also have a wider field of view than we do. This gives them greater peripheral vision (approx. 200 degrees, compared with humans’ 180-degree view). All the better to hunt with at night!

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. Fortunately, Nickolay Lamm (a Pittsburgh-based artist) in collaboration with several cat and vision experts, created a series of illuminating illustrations intended to capture the differences between cat vision and human vision.

We’ve shared these images {via N. Lamm} in this post, and they nicely illustrate the human perspective shown on top, and the corresponding cat’s view in the lower image. Here’s the first example in a night time setting…human view (top) vs. cat view (bottom):

Well that’s where we mere mortals really shine. Turns out the human retina has about 10 times more light receptors (called ‘cones’) than cats do. These cones function best in bright light and are what allow us to see bright and vibrant colors. They also provide us up to 12 times better motion detection in bright light than the cat.

We humans have three types of cones, allowing us to see a broad spectrum of colors, while cats don’t seem to see the full range of colors that most humans do. Scientists believe that cats perceive colors that are much less vibrant and some speculate that a cat’s color vision is limited to blue and grays.

So we outperform cats in bright light situations when it comes to color recognition.

We believe that cats see images that are likely of much lower resolution (we’d see them as ‘fuzzy’ from our perspective). Most people can see objects clearly at 100 to 200 feet away, but cats are limited to about 20 feet away to see those same things sharply. Cats don’t have the muscles necessary to change the shape of their eye lenses, and as a result, they can’t see things clearly quite as close as humans can.

So we humans can see better from far away, close-up, and overall with more sharpness and clarity. In fact, the differences in our eye structures are such that your cat will likely be better than you at picking up the darting motion of a frightened mouse, but many slow-moving objects that you can see would look stationary to Fluffy.

On a more serious note, we wanted to share an excellent article on cat eye discharge from our pals at Honest Paws. It’s called Cat Eye Discharge: A Comprehensive Guide. Well worth a read if you have any concerns or your cat is experiencing these symptoms. >^..^<